This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning law enforcement officers. It introduces new provisions, such as allowing either a law enforcement officer or their employer to appeal disciplinary termination decisions to the superior court, which will be heard in a trial de novo. Additionally, it clarifies that for all disciplinary actions on appeal, except for termination, employers may amend or reverse decisions made by hearing officers or administrative law judges if deemed arbitrary or unjustified, with a requirement to state the reasons for such actions.

The bill also modifies existing language by changing specific subsections and ensuring that all hearings related to disciplinary actions remain open to the public, with limited executive sessions. It mandates that hearing officers document whether just cause existed for disciplinary actions and requires the provision of final disposition reports to law enforcement agencies following appeals. Furthermore, it specifies that the section does not apply to law enforcement officers employed as at-will employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 38-612, 38-1004, 38-1106, 41-1821, 41-710.01, 13-2301, 38-1007